Removing smoke smell from a house can be a daunting task. Whether the smell is from cigarettes, a recent fire, or cooking mishaps, it can linger and affect the air quality, making your home uncomfortable. On-Site Adjusting can provide you with top-notch restoration services that will help rid your home of any unwanted odors. Reach out to us today for a quote.
In this blog post, we will also provide you with comprehensive strategies on how to get the smoke smell out of your house effectively. Implementing these tips will make your home fresher and more habitable for you and your family.
How Do Smoke Odors Work?
Smoke particles are microscopic and can embed themselves in various surfaces, from fabrics to hard surfaces like walls and floors. Simply masking the odor with air fresheners is ineffective; the key is to remove the particles causing the smell. You can do so by implementing the steps listed under the next heading.
How To Get Rid Of Smoke Smell
Step 1: Ventilation
Ventilation is crucial in the initial stages of smoke odor removal. Open all windows and doors to let fresh air circulate through the house. Using box fans in windows to blow out stale air and bring in fresh air can significantly improve indoor air quality. Running exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathrooms also helps to expel the smoky air.
Step 2: Wash Fabrics
Remove all fabric items such as curtains, blankets, and cushions from the house. Wash these items using laundry detergent. For items that cannot be machine-washed, consider taking them to a professional dry cleaner. This process helps to eliminate smoke particles trapped in the fibers. Once washed, ensure they are thoroughly dried before returning them to your home. Otherwise, they may introduce mold or damp smells.
Step 3: Clean Upholstery
For upholstered furniture, use a steam cleaner to penetrate deeply into the cushions and remove embedded smoke particles. If the smell persists, it might be necessary to use professional cleaning services that specialize in smoke odor removal. They have industrial-grade instruments that will free your furniture from smoke odors.
Step 4: Vacuum Carpet
Sprinkle baking soda liberally over carpets and rugs, letting it sit for several hours or overnight to absorb odors. Vacuum thoroughly to remove the baking soda and any trapped smoke particles. For severe odors, consider professional hot water extraction or steam cleaning services.
Step 5: Wash Walls
Smoke particles can cling to walls, ceilings, and other hard surfaces. Clean these areas with a solution of warm water and dishwashing soap or vinegar. You can use a soft microfibre cloth to clean or a Swiffer. For stubborn odors, use trisodium phosphate (TSP), which is effective in breaking down smoke residues.
Step 6: Paint Walls (where necessary)
If cleaning your walls doesn’t eliminate the odor, repainting them might be necessary. Use a primer that seals odors before applying a new coat of paint. This ensures that any remaining smoke particles are encapsulated and do not continue to emit odors.
Step 7: Clean Air Ducts and Filters
Smoke particles can infiltrate HVAC systems, spreading odors throughout the house. Replace HVAC filters with HEPA filters and clean the ductwork to remove any accumulated smoke particles. Regular maintenance of the HVAC system can prevent the recirculation of smoke odors.
Step 8: Ozone Treatment
For persistent odors, ozone treatment can be highly effective. Ozone generators release ozone molecules that break down smoke particles, neutralizing odors. This treatment requires vacating the property temporarily due to the health risks associated with ozone exposure.
Step 9: Professional Services
In cases of severe smoke damage, professional odor removal services are recommended. These services employ specialized equipment and techniques, such as thermal fogging and the use of enzymatic cleaners, to eliminate smoke odors comprehensively.
Conclusion
Eliminating smoke odors from your home requires a combination of thorough cleaning, ventilation, and sometimes professional intervention. You can restore fresh, clean air to your living space and ensure a healthier and more comfortable environment by following these steps. For more detailed guidance and professional help, book a consultation with us to discuss how best to get smoke smells out of your house.
